Emergency HVAC Leak Cleanup at New Braunfels Fire Station No. 7

When water damage hits a fire station, the response has to be fast, controlled, and thoroughly documented. In late October 2024, WTR Restoration was called to New Braunfels Fire Station No. 7 after an HVAC unit in the attic experienced a drainage failure. Water overflowed from the HVAC pan and affected the second-floor laundry room and study, with smaller areas of moisture intrusion reaching the first floor.

By the time of the initial inspection, the building was already showing conditions that could quickly lead to secondary damage if not addressed professionally. Relative humidity measured 66% on the second floor and 60% in the attic. Some building materials were holding substantial moisture, including hallway drywall that tested at 80% moisture content. Those readings made it clear that immediate mitigation was needed to stabilize the structure and reduce the risk of microbial growth.

Assessment and Initial Response

Led by a certified technician, WTR Restoration began with a full site assessment using thermal imaging and moisture meters to track the spread of water and identify saturated materials. Standing water in the attic and second-floor areas was extracted, and a drying plan was built around the actual conditions on site rather than a one-size-fits-all setup. That mattered because losses involving HVAC systems often spread beyond what is visible on the surface, especially in attics, wall cavities, and ceiling assemblies.

Containment and Air Quality Control

The next phase focused on control. Containment barriers were installed in the attic, laundry room, and study to isolate affected areas, manage dust, and help prevent moisture-related contamination from reaching unaffected spaces. Negative air pressure was maintained, and HEPA-filtered air scrubbers were deployed to support air quality throughout the mitigation process, including a unit with UVC capability for enhanced air treatment. Industrial dehumidifiers were then strategically placed in the attic, on the second floor, and in the first-floor areas with minor moisture impact.

Active Drying and Material Removal

From there, the project moved into active drying and material removal. Moisture mapping was used throughout the job to track progress and guide adjustments. On day three, non-salvageable drywall, insulation, and ceiling materials were removed from the most affected sections of the attic and second floor. Exposed structural components were treated with Benefect Decon 30 antimicrobial solution as an added step to help inhibit microbial growth and prepare the space for continued drying.

At the same time, additional air movers were installed to increase airflow and accelerate evaporation. Equipment placement was adjusted based on real-time readings, not assumptions. That attention to detail started paying off quickly. By the third day of intensive mitigation, relative humidity had already dropped to 50% on the second floor and 48% in the attic, showing strong progress toward drying goals.

Daily Monitoring and Quality Control

Daily monitoring played a major role in the success of the project. Commercial and municipal water mitigation is not just about setting equipment and walking away. It requires repeated inspections, documentation, and corrections along the way. During one of those routine checks, a non-functional air scrubber was identified and replaced to keep performance consistent. Moisture levels in structural materials continued to improve, with hallway drywall dropping from 80% moisture content to 20% by day four.

Final Clearance

By the final inspection on day five, the environment had been stabilized and drying targets had been achieved. Relative humidity on both the second floor and in the attic had been reduced to 35%. Hallway drywall moisture content had fallen from 80% to 9%, meeting IICRC S500 drying standards. Once those conditions were verified, all drying equipment was removed and the worksite was cleaned, leaving the property ready for reconstruction and any next steps in the restoration process.

Key Takeaways for Commercial Properties

This project is a strong example of what effective commercial water damage restoration in New Braunfels looks like. The loss started with an HVAC drainage failure, but the real story is how quickly the response was organized and how carefully each phase was managed. From thermal imaging and moisture mapping to containment, air filtration, controlled demolition, antimicrobial application, and final verification, every step was designed to limit disruption and prevent secondary damage.

For facilities like fire stations, schools, office buildings, and other public-use properties, water damage is never just about wet materials. It is also about indoor air quality, documentation, drying standards, and getting the building back to a safe, stable condition as efficiently as possible. That is why professional mitigation matters. Proper drying is not based on guesswork. It is based on measurable conditions, daily adjustments, and clear documentation from start to finish.

When a property owner or facility manager sees staining, damp materials, or an active leak from an HVAC system, the clock is already running. Elevated humidity and trapped moisture can affect insulation, drywall, framing, and ceiling assemblies faster than many people realize. A rapid response helps protect the structure, shorten the restoration timeline, and reduce the likelihood of more extensive repairs later.

WTR Restoration brought that kind of disciplined response to this project, taking a high-moisture event at New Braunfels Fire Station No. 7 and returning the building to a dry, documented, ready-for-repair condition in just five days.